Laundry Clip

ABSTRACT

A laundry clip for holding socks together while being washed includes a clipping arrangement and may also have a hooking arrangement. The clipping arrangement may be moved between an open condition and a closed condition. A sock holder comprising a plurality of laundry clips is also described in conjunction with a bag to hold socks therein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuing application, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, of copending International Application No. PCT/AU2021/051556, filed Dec. 23, 2021, which designated the United States and was published in English; this application also claims the priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 119, of Australia Patent Application No. 2020904830 filed Dec. 23, 2020; the prior applications are herewith incorporated by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a laundry clip, and in particular to a laundry clip for holding socks together while being washed.

The invention has been developed primarily for use in/with holding socks and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use and could be used for other items.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, when people remove their socks for putting them into the wash, they will typically throw each individual sock into a washing basket, and the socks will be mixed in with the washing and washed separately from each other. However, once the washing has been washed and dried, this will require the individual socks need to be matched up where a user wishes to wear matching socks. Individual socks can be lost, thereby rendering the other matching sock to be unusable wherein matching socks are required.

The present invention seeks to provide a laundry clip, which will overcome or substantially ameliorate at least some of the deficiencies of the prior art, or to at least provide an alternative.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a laundry clip for holding a pair of socks in association with each other, the laundry clip comprising:

-   a. a clipping arrangement configured for clipping a pair of socks     together; and -   b. a hooking arrangement configured for hooking the laundry clip to     a washing line.

In one embodiment, the clipping arrangement is configured as an over centre clip.

In one embodiment, clipping arrangement includes a metal frame.

In one embodiment, the metal frame defines an endless configuration.

In one embodiment, the metal frame is substantially planar in configuration.

In one embodiment, the metal frame includes a clip member and a plurality of outer arms joined at a proximal end.

In one embodiment, the metal frame includes a clip member and a pair of outer arms joined at a proximal end.

In one embodiment, the pair of outer arms are defined the endless configuration.

In one embodiment, the clip member substantially bisects the endless configuration.

In one embodiment, at least a pair of the outer arms are connected to each other at a distal end.

In one embodiment, the pair of outer arms are connected to each other by a connector.

In one embodiment, the connector is a rivet.

In one embodiment, the pair of outer arms are connected to each other in a configuration that torsions at least one of the outer arms.

In one embodiment, the pair of outer arms are connected to each other in a configuration whereby bending of the at least one torsioned outer arms past a threshold amount of bending, causes the at least one torsioned outer arm to be torsioned in an opposite direction.

In one embodiment, the clipping arrangement is movable between an open condition and a closed condition.

In one embodiment, the pair of outer arms are movable between a convex configuration and a concave configuration.

In one embodiment, the clip member is movable between an open position and a closed condition relative to the pair of outer arms.

In one embodiment, the open position of the clip member corresponds to the open condition of the clipping arrangement, and the closed condition of the clip member corresponds to the closed condition of the clipping arrangement.

In one embodiment the clipping arrangement includes a water-resistant lining.

In one embodiment the water-resistant lining is composed of plastic.

In one embodiment, the metal frame extends into the hooking arrangement.

In one embodiment, one or more selected from the clip member and the outer arms include gripping formations configured for gripping socks in use.

In one embodiment, the clip member includes a staggered formation for gripping socks in use.

According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a laundry clip for holding a pair of socks in association with each other during washing and/or drying, the laundry clip comprising:

-   a. a clipping arrangement including a pre-torsioned over-centre clip     configured for clipping a pair of socks together, the over centre     clip including at least a pair of opposed clamping members, the     opposed clamping members being relatively movable between     -   i. an open condition in which socks are receivable between the         clamping members; and     -   ii. a closed condition in which socks are conveniently removable         from between the clamping members.

In one embodiment, the laundry clip includes a hooking arrangement.

In another aspect, the invention may be said to consist in a method of manufacture of a laundry clip for holding a pair of socks in association with each other during washing and/or drying, the method comprising the steps of:

-   a. providing an insert including at least a pair of outer arms and a     centrally located clip member connected at a proximal end; -   b. bending the pair of outer arms towards each other to pre-torsion     the pair of outer legs; and -   c. connecting the pair of outer arms to each other at a distal end.

In one embodiment, the planar formation includes a hook formation extending from the proximal end.

In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of coating the planar formation with a water-resistant lining.

In one embodiment, the insert is substantially planar.

In one embodiment, the step of connecting the outer arms to each other includes the step of using a connector.

In another aspect, the invention may be said to consist in a laundry bag, the laundry bag including a receptacle and at least one or more laundry clips as described above.

In one embodiment, the at least one or more laundry clips are arranged on a webbing.

In one embodiment, a plurality of laundry clips are arranged on the webbing.

In one embodiment, the webbing is received within the receptacle.

In one embodiment, the receptacle is closable.

In one embodiment, the receptacle includes a closing arrangement.

In one embodiment, the closing arrangement includes one or more selected from a zipper and a drawstring.

In one embodiment, the webbing includes at least one or more hooks.

In one embodiment, the receptacle is composed of a flexible textile.

In one embodiment, the receptacle is composed of mesh.

In one embodiment, the webbing is sewn into the receptacle.

This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a right front perspective view of a first embodiment of a laundry clip in a closed condition;

FIG. 2 shows a rear left perspective view of the laundry clip of FIG. 1 in a closed condition;

FIG. 3 shows a left side view of the laundry clip of FIG. 1 in a closed condition;

FIG. 4 shows a left side view of the laundry clip of FIG. 1 in an open condition;

FIG. 5 shows a right front perspective view of the laundry clip of FIG. 1 in an open condition;

FIG. 6 shows a right rear perspective view of the laundry clip of FIG. 1 in an open condition; and

FIG. 7 shows a rear left cutaway perspective view of the laundry clip of FIG. 1 in an open condition;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a sock holder.

FIG. 9A shows a front view of a laundry clip in an open condition.

FIG. 9B shows a front view of the laundry clip in a closed condition, as well as a side view.

FIG. 10 shows a laundry bag including a sock holder.

FIG. 11 shows process steps.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Apparatus

It should be noted in the following description that like or the same reference numerals in different embodiments denote the same or similar features.

A laundry clip according to a first aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 1000.

In one embodiment now described, there is provided a laundry clip 1000 for holding a pair of socks in association with each other while they are being washed and dried. The laundry clip 1000 broadly includes a clipping arrangement 1100 and a hooking arrangement 1200. The clipping arrangement 1100 is configured for clipping a pair of socks together while being washed and dried, while the hooking arrangement 1200 is configured for cooking the laundry clip to a washing line, for example for drying.

The clipping arrangement 1100 is configured for moving between an open condition in which socks are receivable for being clipped, and a closed condition in which socks can be snugly clamped by the clipping arrangement 1100.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the clipping arrangement 1100 is configured as a pre-torsioned over centre clip. The clipping arrangement 1100 includes a metal frame 1110 that is mostly covered by a resilient waterproof plastic lining 1120. The metal frame includes a pair of outer arms 1112 and a clip member 1114. The pair of outer arms 1112 and clip member 1114 are connected to each other at a proximal end 1102. The pair of outer arms 1112 and clip member 1114 are generally substantially planar in configuration. The pair of outer arms 1112 extend distally and are connected to each other at a distal end 1104 to form an endless configuration. The pair of outer arms 1112 preferably connected to each other at their distal end 1104 by a rivet or similar connector 1113. It will be appreciated by person skilled in the art that a wide variety of connectors could be used. The clip member 1114 extends from the proximal end 1102 to substantially bisect the endless configuration.

It will be appreciated that the frame could be composed of a wide variety of materials including metals, composite materials such as carbon fibre, rigid plastic or mineral based materials, any combination of these, or any suitable material. Most preferably the frame is made of manganese steel.

The pair of outer arms 1112 are pre-torsioned to bend in a concave curve when viewed from the side, as shown in FIG. 3 . The pre-torsioned outer arms act as an over centre mechanism in that, when the outer arms are bent beyond a threshold limit, the pre-torsioned outer arms 1112 will move to a pre-torsioned state in an opposite direction, and the outer arms 1112 will move into a convex curve as shown in FIG. 4 . In an alternative embodiment (not shown) it is envisaged that only one of the pair of outer arms 1112 could be pre-torsioned to achieve the same effect.

When the pre-torsioned outer arms 1112 are configured in a concave curve as shown in FIG. 3 , the clip member 1114 will be pushed towards and abut directly with the distal ends of the pair of outer arms 1112 in a closed position. The closed position of the clip member 1114 corresponds with the closed condition of the clipping arrangement 1100.

When the pre-torsioned outer arms 1112 are configured in a convex curve as shown in FIG. 4 , the clip member 1114 will be moved away from the distal ends of the pair of outer arms 1112 in an open position. The open position of the clip member 1114 corresponds with the open condition of the clipping arrangement 1100.

As mentioned previously, the clipping arrangement includes a water resistant or waterproof plastic lining 1120. Preferably, the outer surface of the waterproof plastic lining includes gripping formations 1122 for gripping socks between the clip member 1114 and the outer arms 1112 when the clipping arrangement 1100 is in its closed condition. The clip member 1114 also includes a zigzag or staggered formation 1115 along its length that is configured for ensuring that socks do not slip out from between the clip member 1114 and the outer arms 1112 when the clipping arrangement 1100 is in its closed condition.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the clip member 1114 is not covered by the waterproof plastic lining 1120. However, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), it is envisaged that the member could also be covered by the same or a different waterproof plastic lining.

Preferably, the waterproof plastic lining 1120 also extends over the hooking arrangement 1200. The hooking arrangement preferably includes a rigid insert 1210 (shown in FIG. 7 ) in the form of a hook 1220, preferably composed of metal that is an extension of the clipping arrangement, and extends from the proximal end 1102 of the clipping arrangement 1100.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), it is also envisaged that the hooking arrangement 1200 need not include a rigid insert, and could be composed of hard plastic that is moulded to the resilient plastic of the clipping arrangement 1100. However, this is not preferred as it will increase the complexity of manufacture of the laundry clip 1000.

It will further be appreciated that in alternative embodiments (not shown) a wide variety of hooking arrangements may be possible, including carabiner type hooking arrangements, spiral type hooking arrangement, or catches of any sort.

FIG. 8 shows a sock holder generally indicated by reference numeral 3000.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the sock holder 3000 is comprised of a plurality of laundry clips 2000 attached to a webbing 3100 at regular spacings. The plurality of laundry clips 2000 are similar to the laundry clip 1000 described above. The plurality of laundry clips 2000 each include a pair of outer arms 2112 and a clip member 2114. The pair of outer arms 2112 extend distally and are connected to each other at a distal end 2104 to form an endless configuration. The pair of outer arms 2112 preferably connected to each other at their distal end 2104 by a rivet or similar connector 2113. It will be appreciated by person skilled in the art that a wide variety of connectors could be used. The clip member 2114 extends from the proximal end 2102 to substantially bisect the endless configuration.

The proximal end 2102 of the clip 2000 has a buckle or securing arrangement 2300 to allow the webbing 3100 to be secured to the proximal end 2102 of the clip 2000. This is most clearly shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. FIGS. 9A and 9B also show the clip 2000 in the open and closed conditions respectively. The webbing 3100 and laundry clips 2000 are preferably secured by weaving the webbing 3100 through the buckle 2300 as shown in FIG. 8 .

In FIG. 8 , the sock holder 3000 also includes a plurality of hooks 3200 that are attached to the webbing 3100. The hooks 3200 allow a user to hang the sock holder 3000 (together with the socks that aren’t shown) from a clothesline or the like.

Now as shown in FIG. 10 , a laundry bag 4000 is shown, including the sock holder 3000 as shown in FIG. 8 . The sock holder 3000 is received within and secured within a receptacle or bag 3300. The webbing 3100 may be attached to the laundry bag 3300 by any suitable means such as by needle and thread, hook and loop fasteners or snap fasters. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 , the webbing 3100 is sewn to the laundry bag 3300.

The bag 3300 is closable by a drawstring as a closing arrangement 3400, however other methods of closing the bag are envisaged such as by a zipper, hook and loop arrangement, or the like. The bag 3300 is preferably composed of a mesh textile that allows for the free movement of water through the bag 3300.

In Use

In use, it is envisaged that the laundry clip will be used by a user (not shown) when they remove their socks (not shown) after wearing the socks. The pair of socks will be inserted between the outer arms 1112 and the clip member 1114 while the clipping arrangement 1100 is in its open condition, and the clip member 1114 is in its open position. The clipping arrangement 1100 will then be moved from its open condition to its closed condition, causing the clip member 1114 to move to its closed position, thereby clamping the socks between the outer arms 1112 and the clip member 1114. The socks, together with the laundry clip 1000 can be put into a washing machine, and will ensure that the socks remain together during the wash. Further, after washing the socks, together with the laundry clip 1000 can be hung up on a washing line using the hooking arrangement 1200, or thrown into a tumble dryer.

Once the socks have dried, the socks, together with the holder 1000 can be put into a drawer together for storage. Alternatively, the socks can be removed from the laundry clip 1000 and folded together without having to search for matching socks.

Further, it will be appreciated that the laundry clip need not necessarily be used for socks and it could find application in a wide variety of fields. For examples it could be used to hold artwork while it is drying, or for any other items, and especially pairs of items such as light shoes such slippers, booties, gloves, or the like.

Alternatively, a laundry bag as described many be used. Using the laundry bag 4000, one or more pairs of dirty socks are clamped together by laundry clips 2000. The bag 3300 is then turned inside-out so that the bag can be closed with the socks inside the bag and then placed in a washing machine, where the socks can be washed without being separated. To dry the socks on a clothesline, the bag 3300 is unzipped and reversed so the socks are totally exposed and then hung on the clothesline via the hooks 3200 on the bag. Alternatively, the entire laundry bag 4000 with the sock holder 3000 and attached socks may be placed in a dryer. In this way, the bag acts as a backup in case one or more socks become free from the clip when in a washing machine or dryer, the bag 3300 catches it.

Manufacture

Now described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 , a method of manufacture of a laundry clip is described. It is envisaged that, in order to manufacture the laundry clip 1000, initially a substantially planar insert will be provided 2 that includes the pair of outer arms 1112 and centrally located clip member 1114 connected at a proximal end, as well as the rigid insert 1210 of the hooking arrangement. The planar insert will be composed of a rigid resilient or flexible material such as metal, rigid plastic, or the like as described above, but is preferably composed of manganese steel.

The outer arms 1112 will then be bended 4 or moved towards each other until they overlap, and the outer arms 1112 will be connected 6 to each other by a connector. It is envisaged that a wide variety of connectors could be used, including rivets, welds such as spot welds, or the like. This will cause the pair of outer legs to pre-torsion and move into one of either the convex shape or concave shape described above.

It is envisaged that the insert could be coated 8 with a water-resistant lining in a wide variety of ways, for example by injection moulding and/or dipping. Such a coating could be applied before the pre-torsion end of the outer arms, or afterwards. It is further envisaged that the entire insert could be coated, and not just portions thereof.

This process is also illustrated with reference to the second embodiment of a laundry clip 2000 as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B.

INTERPRETATION Markush Groups

In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Chronological Sequence

For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be carried out in chronological order in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence.

Embodiments

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner.

Specific Details

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “forward”, “rearward”, “radially”, “peripherally”, “upwardly”, “downwardly”, and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

For the purposes of this specification, the term “plastic” shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of natural, synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer, and can include silicone, natural rubber or the like.

As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.

As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Comprising and Including

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e., to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to laundry related industries. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A laundry clip for holding a pair of socks in association with each other, the laundry clip comprising: a. a clipping arrangement configured for clipping a pair of socks together; and b. a hooking arrangement configured for hooking the laundry clip to a washing line.
 2. The laundry clip as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clipping arrangement is configured as an over centre clip.
 3. The laundry clip as claimed in claim 2, wherein the clipping arrangement defines an endless configuration.
 4. The laundry clip as claimed in claim 3, wherein the clipping arrangement includes a clip member and a plurality of outer arms joined at a proximal end in an endless configuration.
 5. The laundry clip as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least a pair of the plurality of outer arms are connected to each other at a distal end.
 6. The laundry clip as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pair of outer arms are connected to each other in a configuration that torsions at least one of the outer arms.
 7. The laundry clip as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pair of outer arms are connected to each other in a configuration whereby bending of the at least one torsioned outer arms past a threshold amount of bending, causes the at least one torsioned outer arm to be torsioned in an opposite direction.
 8. The laundry clip as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pair of outer arms are movable between an open condition and a closed condition.
 9. The laundry clip as claimed in claim 5, wherein the clip member is movable between an open position and a closed condition relative to the pair of outer arms.
 10. The laundry clip as claimed in claim 9, wherein the open position of the clip member corresponds to the open condition of the pair of outer arms, and the closed condition of the clip member corresponds to the closed condition of the pair of outer arms.
 11. A laundry clip for holding a pair of socks in association with each other during washing and/or drying, the laundry clip comprising: a. a clipping arrangement including a pre-torsioned over-centre clip configured for clipping a pair of socks together, the over centre clip including at least a pair of opposed clamping members, the opposed clamping members being relatively movable between: i. an open condition in which socks are receivable between the clamping members; and ii. a closed condition in which socks are conveniently removable from between the clamping members.
 12. The laundry clip as claimed in claim 11, wherein the laundry clip includes one or more selected from a hooking arrangement and a securing arrangement.
 13. A method of manufacture of a laundry clip for holding a pair of socks in association with each other during washing and/or drying, the method comprising the steps of: a. providing an insert including at least a pair of outer arms and a centrally located clip member connected at a proximal end; b. bending the pair of outer arms towards each other to pre-torsion the pair of outer legs; and c. connecting the pair of outer arms to each other at a distal end.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the method comprises the steps of coating the planar formation with a water-resistant lining.
 15. A laundry bag, the laundry bag including a receptacle and at least one or more laundry clips defined by claim
 1. 16. The laundry bag of claim 15, wherein, the at least one or more laundry clips are arranged on a webbing.
 17. The laundry bag of claim 16, a plurality of laundry clips is arranged on the webbing.
 18. The laundry bag of claim 16, the webbing is received within the receptacle.
 19. The laundry bag of claim 15, the receptacle is closable.
 20. The laundry bag of claim 16, the webbing includes at least one or more hooks.
 21. The laundry bag of claim 16, the webbing is sewn into the receptacle.
 22. A laundry bag, the laundry bag including a receptacle and at least one or more laundry clips defined by claim
 11. 23. The laundry bag of claim 17, the webbing is received within the receptacle. 